David neemt afscheid van Jonathan 1643 - 1647

This is Ferdinand Bol's "David takes leave of Jonathan," made with pen in brown, and brush in gray. The rapid strokes and minimal use of color give the drawing an immediate, raw quality. Pen and ink drawings were fundamental to the artistic process in the 17th century, serving as studies for larger paintings, or independent works of art. Bol, who trained with Rembrandt, used this medium to capture the emotional intensity of the biblical scene. The artist’s hand is evident in every line, each stroke revealing his mastery of the medium. The economy of means – just pen, ink, and brush – underscores the power of drawing as a direct expression of thought and feeling. These materials were relatively inexpensive, making art accessible, and the process highly portable, suitable for an artist working in a bustling urban environment such as Amsterdam. Looking at the object through the lens of its making allows us to appreciate its ingenuity, and challenges the hierarchy between fine art and craft.